An over-the-counter topical cream containing 1% hydrocortisone, a mild corticosteroid designed to reduce inflammation, itching, and redness associated with eczema, psoriasis, and minor skin irritation.
Guru Score
The Guru Score: every expert's verdict on a product, in one simple number.
Under the score you'll see how many experts weighed in, or "Early verdict" while only a few have. Paid takes count for half in the score.
Guru Certified means at least 6 experts, a score of 85% or more, and almost no Nays.
How we score →Yay
3 experts · Moderate agreementWhat the gurus are saying
This hydrocortisone cream calms inflamed skin and reduces itching by tackling the inflammation that drives eczema flares, and dermatologists note it's gentle enough to use without a prescription. The tradeoff is that 1% hydrocortisone is mild, so it may not be strong enough for severe flares, dermatologists suggest spot-treating problem areas rather than using it all over, and pairing it with a separate moisturizer. Those waiting to see a dermatologist or dealing with minor flares may find it helpful for temporary relief.
What they liked
What they flagged
The concerns the experts tie this product to, in their own words. Paid and founder takes don't count.
“Vanicream actually makes an over-the-counter topical skin medication called Vanicream HC. It has one percent hydrocortisone in it to treat minor skin flares of eczema, skin inflammation, itching, and psoriasis.”
The Budget Dermatologist, watch at 8:41
“Hydrocortisone is a very gentle topical steroid that you can get without a prescription that helps calm inflamed skin.”
The Budget Dermatologist, watch at 8:41
Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.
Independent of what the gurus think, this is what the published research supports about the main active ingredients here.
An over-the-counter topical cream containing 1% hydrocortisone, a mild corticosteroid designed to reduce inflammation, itching, and redness associated with eczema, psoriasis, and minor skin irritation.
Mostly yes. 2 of the 3 gurus who reviewed it give it their stamp of approval, for a Guru Score of 77%.
Vanicream 1% Hydrocortisone Itch Relief Cream holds a Guru Score of 77%. That is our read on how warmly the experts talk about it, based on the verdicts of 3 expert reviewers we have collected.
Vanicream 1% Hydrocortisone Itch Relief Cream is generally suited to dry skin and sensitive skin.
In their reviews, experts say Vanicream 1% Hydrocortisone Itch Relief Cream is good for eczema (1 expert) and irritated or reactive skin (1 expert).
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See how they stack up →Other products the same gurus have weighed in on, plus more from this brand and category.
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